Systems and methods for automatic control of a continuous action

ABSTRACT

A device and method are provided for automatic control of a continuous action. In one implementation, an apparatus for providing feedback to a user is provided. The apparatus may include an image sensor configured to be positioned for movement with a head of a user. The image sensor may also be configured to capture real time images from an environment of the user as the user&#39;s head moves. The apparatus may also include at least one processor device configured to process at least one image to identify an existence of an object within a field of view of the image sensor and to initiate a continuous action associated with the object. The processing device may also be configured to suspend the continuous action associated with the object when the object moves outside the field of view of the image sensor.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/799,649, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, and U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/830,122, filed on Jun. 2, 2013,both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

I. Technical Field

This disclosure generally relates to devices and methods for providinginformation to a user. More particularly, this disclosure relates todevices and methods for providing information to a user by processingimages captured from the environment of the user.

II. Background Information

Visual acuity is an indication of the clarity or clearness of a person'svision that is commonly measured twenty feet from an object. Whenmeasuring visual acuity, the ability of a person to identify blacksymbols on a white background at twenty feet is compared to the abilityof a person with normal eyesight. This comparison can be symbolized by aratio. For example, a ratio of 20/70 vision means a person located at adistance of twenty feet can see what a person with normal vision can seeat seventy feet. A person has low vision if he or she has a visualacuity between 20/70 and 20/200 in the better-seeing eye that cannot becorrected or improved with regular eyeglasses. The prevalence of lowvision is about one in a hundred for people in their sixties and rapidlyincreases to one in five for people in their nineties. Low vision mayalso depend on the environment. For example, some individuals may beable to see only when there is ample light.

A person may have low vision (also known as visual impairment) forseveral reasons. Other than eye damage and failure of the brain toreceive visual cues sent by the eyes, different medical conditions maycause visual impairment. Medical conditions that may cause visualimpairment include Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), retinitispigmentosa, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy.

AMD, which usually affects adults, is caused by damage to the retinathat diminishes vision in the center of a person's visual field. Thelifetime risk for developing AMD is strongly associated with certaingenes. For example, the lifetime risk of developing AMD is 50% forpeople that have a relative with AMD, versus 12% for people that do nothave relatives with AMD.

Retinitis pigmentosa is an inherited, degenerative eye disease thatcauses severe vision impairment and often blindness. The disease processbegins with changes in pigment and damage to the small arteries andblood vessels that supply blood to the retina. There is no cure forretinitis pigmentosa and no known treatment can stop the progressivevision loss caused by the disease.

A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye which leads to adecrease in vision. Over time, a yellow-brown pigment is depositedwithin the lens and obstructs light from passing and being focused ontothe retina at the back of the eye. Biological aging is the most commoncause of a cataract, but a wide variety of other risk factors (e.g.,excessive tanning, diabetes, prolonged steroid use) can cause acataract.

Diabetic retinopathy is a systemic disease that affects up to 80% of allpatients who have had diabetes for ten years or more. Diabeticretinopathy causes microvascular damage to a blood-retinal barrier inthe eye and makes the retinal blood vessels more permeable to fluids.

People with low vision experience difficulties due to lack of visualacuity, field-of-view, color perception, and other visual impairments.These difficulties affect many aspects of everyday life. Persons withlow vision may use magnifying glasses to compensate for some aspects oflow vision. For example, if the smallest letter a person with 20/100vision can read is five times larger than the smallest letter that aperson with 20/20 vision can read, then 5× magnification should makeeverything that is resolvable to the person with 20/20 vision resolvableto the person with low vision. However, magnifying glasses are expensiveand cannot remedy all aspects of low vision. For example, a person withlow vision who wears magnifying glasses may still have a difficult timerecognizing details from a distance (e.g., people, signboards, trafficlights, etc.). Accordingly, there is a need for other technologies thatcan assist people who have low vision accomplish everyday activities.

SUMMARY

Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure provide devices andmethods for providing information to a user by processing imagescaptured from the environment of the user. The disclosed embodiments mayassist persons who have low vision.

In accordance with a disclosed embodiment, an apparatus for providingfeedback to a user is provided. The apparatus may include an imagesensor configured to be positioned for movement with a head of a userand configured to capture real time images from an environment of theuser as the user's head moves. The apparatus may also include at leastone processor device configured to process at least one image toidentify an existence of an object within a field of view of the imagesensor and to initiate a continuous action associated with the object.The processing device may also be configured to suspend the continuousaction associated with the object when the object moves outside thefield of view of the image sensor.

In accordance with another disclosed embodiment, an apparatus forproviding feedback to a user is provided. The apparatus may include animage sensor configured to be positioned for movement with a head of auser and configured to capture real time images from an environment ofthe user as the user's head moves. The apparatus may also include atleast one processor device configured to identify existence of a triggerand initiate, based on identification of the trigger, a continuousaction associated with an object located within a field of view of theimage sensor. The at least one processor device may also be configuredto identify movements of the head of the user, and suspend thecontinuous action associated with the object when a specific headmovement is identified.

Consistent with another disclosed embodiment, a method for providingfeedback to a user is provided. The method may include receiving from animage sensor real time image data that includes a representation of anobject, with the image sensor being configured to be positioned formovement with a head of the user. The method may also include processingthe image data to identify an existence of the object within the fieldof view of the image sensor, and initiating a continuous actionassociated with the object. The method may also include suspending thecontinuous action associated with the object when the object movesoutside the field of view of the image sensor.

Consistent with other disclosed embodiments, non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media may store program instructions, whichare executed by at least one processor device and perform any of themethods described herein.

The foregoing general description and the following detailed descriptionare exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of theclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this disclosure, illustrate various disclosed embodiments. Inthe drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a user wearing an apparatus foraiding persons who have low vision;

FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of an example of a support from afirst viewpoint;

FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of the support shown in FIG. 2A froma second viewpoint;

FIG. 2C is a schematic illustration of the support shown in FIG. 2Amounted on a pair of glasses;

FIG. 2D is a schematic illustration of a sensory unit attached to thesupport that is mounted on the pair of glasses shown in FIG. 2C;

FIG. 2E is an exploded view of FIG. 2D;

FIG. 3A is a schematic illustration of an example of a sensory unit froma first viewpoint;

FIG. 3B is a schematic illustration of the sensory unit shown in FIG. 3Afrom a second viewpoint;

FIG. 3C is a schematic illustration of the sensory unit shown in FIG. 3Afrom a third viewpoint;

FIG. 3D is a schematic illustration of the sensory unit shown in FIG. 3Afrom a fourth viewpoint;

FIG. 3E is a schematic illustration of the sensory unit shown in FIG. 3Ain an extended position;

FIG. 4A is a schematic illustration of an example of a processing unitfrom a first viewpoint;

FIG. 4B is a schematic illustration of the processing unit shown in FIG.4A from a second viewpoint;

FIG. 5A is a block diagram illustrating an example of the components ofan apparatus for aiding persons who have low vision according to a firstembodiment;

FIG. 5B is a block diagram illustrating an example of the components ofan apparatus for aiding persons who have low vision according to asecond embodiment;

FIG. 5C is a block diagram illustrating an example of the components ofan apparatus for aiding persons who have low vision according to a thirdembodiment;

FIG. 5D is a block diagram illustrating an example of the components ofan apparatus for aiding persons who have low vision according to afourth embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a memory that maybe used in conjunction with an apparatus for aiding persons who have lowvision;

FIG. 7 is an example of a process for performing a continuous action inresponse to an input;

FIG. 8A is a schematic illustration of an object in the field of view ofthe apparatus; and

FIG. 8B is a schematic illustration of an object outside of the field ofview of the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawingsand the following description to refer to the same or similar parts.While several illustrative embodiments are described herein,modifications, adaptations and other implementations are possible. Forexample, substitutions, additions or modifications may be made to thecomponents illustrated in the drawings, and the illustrative methodsdescribed herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, removing,or adding steps to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the followingdetailed description is not limited to the disclosed embodiments andexamples. Instead, the proper scope is defined by the appended claims.

Disclosed embodiments provide devices and methods for assisting peoplewho have low vision. One example of the disclosed embodiments is adevice that includes a camera configured to capture real-time image datafrom the environment of the user. The device also includes a processingunit configured to process the real-time image data and providereal-time feedback to the user. The real-time feedback may include, forexample, an output that audibly identifies individuals from a distance,reads signboards, and/or identifies the state of a traffic light.

FIG. 1 illustrates a user 100 wearing an apparatus 110 connected toglasses 105, consistent with a disclosed embodiment. Apparatus 110 mayprovide functionality for aiding user 100 with various daily activitiesthat are otherwise difficult for user 100 to accomplish due to lowvision. Glasses 105 may be prescription glasses, magnifying glasses,non-prescription glasses, safety glasses, sunglasses, etc.

As shown in FIG. 1, apparatus 110 includes a sensory unit 120 and aprocessing unit 140. Sensory unit 120 may be connected to a support (notshown in FIG. 1) that is mounted on glasses 105. In addition, sensoryunit 120 may include an image sensor (not shown in FIG. 1) for capturingreal-time image data of the field-of-view of user 100. The term “imagedata” includes any form of data retrieved from optical signals in thenear-infrared, infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectrums. The imagedata may be used to form video clips and/or photographs.

Processing unit 140 may communicate wirelessly or via a wire 130connected to sensory unit 120. In some embodiments, processing unit 140may produce an output of audible feedback to user 100 (e.g., using aspeaker or a bone conduction headphone).

Apparatus 110 is one example of a device capable of implementing thefunctionality of the disclosed embodiments. Other devices capable ofimplementing the disclosed embodiments include, for example, a mobilecomputer with a camera (e.g., a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet,etc.) or a clip-on-camera configured to communicate with a processingunit (e.g., a smartphone or a dedicated processing unit, which can becarried in a pocket). A person skilled in the art will appreciate thatdifferent types of devices and arrangements of devices may implement thefunctionality of the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of an example of a support 210. Asdiscussed in connection with FIG. 1, support 210 may be mounted onglasses 105 and connect to sensory unit 120. The term “support” includesany device or structure that enables detaching and reattaching of adevice including a camera to a pair of glasses or to another object(e.g., a helmet). Support 210 may be made from plastic (e.g.,polycarbonate), metal (e.g., aluminum), or a combination of plastic andmetal (e.g., carbon fiber graphite). Support 210 may be mounted onglasses 105 using screws, bolts, snaps, or any fastening means used inthe art.

As shown in FIG. 2A, support 210 includes a base 230 connected to aclamp 240. A bridge 220 connects base 230 with clamp 240. Base 230 andclamp 240 enable sensory unit 120 to easily attach to and detach fromsupport 210. In one embodiment, base 230 may include an internallythreaded member 250 for cooperating with a screw (not shown in FIG. 2A)to mount support 210 on glasses 105.

FIG. 2B illustrates support 210 from a second viewpoint. The viewpointshown in FIG. 2B is from a side orientation of support 210.

FIG. 2C illustrates support 210 mounted on glasses 105. Support 210 maybe configured for mounting on any kind of glasses (e.g., eyeglasses,sunglasses, 3D glasses, safety glasses, etc.). As shown in FIG. 20,sensory unit 120 is not attached to support 210 and, accordingly,support 210 may be sold separately from apparatus 110. This arrangementmakes apparatus 110 compatible with a variety of glasses. For example,some users may have several pairs of glasses and may wish to mount asupport on each pair of glasses.

In other embodiments, support 210 may be an integral part of a pair ofglasses, or sold and installed by an optometrist. For example, support210 may be configured for mounting on the arms of glasses 105 near theframe front, but before the hinge. Alternatively, support 210 may beconfigured for mounting on the bridge of glasses 105.

FIG. 2D illustrates sensory unit 120 attached to support 210 (notvisible in FIG. 2D), and support 210 mounted on glasses 105. In someembodiments, support 210 may include a quick release mechanism fordisengaging and reengaging sensory unit 120. For example, support 210and sensory unit 120 may include magnetic elements. As an alternativeexample, support 210 may include a male latch member and sensory unit120 may include a female receptacle.

When sensory unit 120 is attached (or reattached) to support 210, thefield-of-view of a camera associated with sensory unit 120 may besubstantially identical to the field-of-view of user 100. Accordingly,in some embodiments, after support 210 is attached to sensory unit 120,directional calibration of sensory unit 120 may not be required becausesensory unit 120 aligns with the field-of-view of user 100.

In other embodiments, support 210 may include an adjustment component(not shown in FIG. 2D) to enable calibration of the aiming direction ofsensory unit 120 in a substantially set position that is customized touser 100 wearing glasses 105. For example, the adjustment component mayinclude an adjustable hinge to enable vertical and horizontal alignmentof the aiming direction of sensory unit 120. Adjusting the alignment ofsensory unit 120 may assist users who have a unique and individualvisual impairment. The adjustment may be internal or external to sensoryunit 120.

FIG. 2E is an exploded view of the components shown in FIG. 2D. Sensoryunit 120 may be attached to glasses 105 in the following way. Initially,support 210 may be mounted on glasses 105 using screw 260. Next, screw260 may be inserted into internally threaded member 250 (not shown inFIG. 2E) in the side of support 210. Sensory unit 120 may then beclipped on support 210 such that it is aligned with the field-of-view ofuser 100.

FIG. 3A is a schematic illustration of sensory unit 120 from a firstviewpoint. As shown in FIG. 3A, sensory unit 120 includes afeedback-outputting unit 340 and an image sensor 350.

Sensory unit 120 is configured to cooperate with support 210 using clip330 and groove 320, which fits the dimensions of support 210. The term“sensory unit” refers to any electronic device configured to capturereal-time images and provide a non-visual output. Furthermore, asdiscussed above, sensory unit 120 includes feedback-outputting unit 340.The term “feedback-outputting unit” includes any device configured toprovide information to a user.

In some embodiments, feedback-outputting unit 340 may be configured tobe used by blind persons and persons with low vision. Accordingly,feedback-outputting unit 340 may be configured to output nonvisualfeedback. The term “feedback” refers to any output or informationprovided in response to processing at least one image in an environment.For example, feedback may include a descriptor of a branded product, anaudible tone, a tactile response, and/or information previously recordedby user 100. Furthermore, feedback-outputting unit 340 may compriseappropriate components for outputting acoustical and tactile feedbackthat people with low vision can interpret. For example,feedback-outputting unit 340 may comprise audio headphones, a speaker, abone conduction headphone, interfaces that provide tactile cues,vibrotactile stimulators, etc.

As discussed above, sensory unit 120 includes image sensor 350. The term“image sensor” refers to a device capable of detecting and convertingoptical signals in the near-infrared, infrared, visible, and ultravioletspectrums into electrical signals. The electric signals may be used toform an image based on the detected signal. For example, image sensor350 may be part of a camera. In some embodiments, when sensory unit 120is attached to support 210, image sensor 350 may acquire a set aimingdirection without the need for directional calibration. The set aimingdirection of image sensor 350 may substantially coincide with thefield-of-view of user 100 wearing glasses 105. For example, a cameraassociated with image sensor 350 may be installed within sensory unit120 in a predetermined angle in a position facing slightly downwards(e.g., 5-15 degrees from the horizon). Accordingly, the set aimingdirection of image sensor 350 may match the field-of-view of user 100.

As shown in FIG. 3A, feedback-outputting unit 340 and image sensor 350are included in a housing 310. The term “housing” refers to anystructure that at least partially covers, protects, or encloses asensory unit. The housing may be made from one or more differentmaterials (e.g., plastic or aluminum). In one embodiment, housing 310may be designed to engage with a specific pair of glasses having aspecific support (e.g., support 210). In an alternative embodiment,housing 310 may be designed to engage more than one pair of glasses,each having a support (e.g., support 210) mounted thereon. Housing 310may include a connector for receiving power from an externalmobile-power-source or an internal mobile-power-source, and forproviding an electrical connection to image sensor 350.

FIG. 3B is a schematic illustration of sensory unit 120 from a secondviewpoint. As shown in FIG. 3B, housing 310 includes a U-shaped element.An inner distance “d” between each side of the U-shaped element islarger than the width of the arm of glasses 105. Additionally, the innerdistance “d” between each side of the U-shaped element is substantiallyequal to a width of support 210. The inner distance “d” between eachside of the U-shaped element may allow user 100 to easily attach housing310 to support 210, which may be mounted on glasses 105. As illustratedin FIG. 3B, image sensor 350 is located on one side of the U-shapedelement and feedback-outputting unit 340 is located on another side ofthe U-shaped element.

FIG. 3C is a schematic illustration of sensory unit 120 from a thirdviewpoint. The viewpoint shown in FIG. 30 is from a side orientation ofsensory unit 120 and shows the side of the U-shaped element thatincludes image sensor 350.

FIG. 3D is a schematic illustration of sensory unit 120 from a fourthviewpoint. The viewpoint shown in FIG. 3D is from an opposite side ofthe orientation shown in FIG. 30. FIG. 3D shows the side of the U-shapedelement that includes feedback-outputting unit 340.

FIG. 3E is a schematic illustration of the sensory unit shown in FIG. 3Ain an extended position. As shown in FIG. 3E, a portion of sensory unit120 is extendable and wire 130 may pass through a channel of sensoryunit 120. This arrangement may allow a user to adjust the length and theangle of sensory unit 120 without interfering with the operation ofapparatus 110.

User 100 may adjust the U-shaped element of sensory unit 120 so thatfeedback-outputting unit 340 is positioned adjacent to the user's ear orthe user's temple. Accordingly, sensory unit 120 may be adjusted for usewith different users who may have different head sizes. Alternatively, aportion of sensory unit 120 may be flexible such that the angle offeedback-outputting unit 340 is relative to the user's ear or the user'stemple.

FIG. 4A is a schematic illustration of processing unit 140. As shown inFIG. 4A, processing unit 140 has a rectangular shape, which easily fitsin a pocket of user 100. Processing unit 140 includes a connector 400for connecting wire 130 to processing unit 140. Wire 130 may be used totransmit power from processing unit 140 to sensory unit 120, and data toand from processing unit 140 to sensory unit 120. Alternatively, wire130 may comprise multiple wires (e.g., a wire dedicated to powertransmission and a wire dedicated to data transmission).

Processing unit 140 includes a function button 410 for enabling user 100to provide input to apparatus 110. Function button 410 may acceptdifferent types of tactile input (e.g., a tap, a click, a double-click,a long press, a right-to-left slide, a left-to-right slide). In someembodiments, each type of input may be associated with a differentaction. For example, a tap may be associated with the function ofconfirming an action, while a right-to-left slide may be associated withthe function of repeating the last output.

FIG. 4B is a schematic illustration of processing unit 140 from a secondviewpoint. As shown in FIG. 4B, processing unit 140 includes a volumeswitch 420, a battery pack compartment 430, and a power port 440. In oneembodiment, user 100 may charge apparatus 110 using a chargerconnectable to power port 440. Alternatively, user 100 may replace abattery pack (not shown) stored in battery pack compartment 430.

FIG. 5A is a block diagram illustrating the components of apparatus 110according to a first embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 5A depicts anembodiment in which apparatus 110 comprises sensory unit 120 andprocessing unit 140, as discussed in connection with, for example,FIG. 1. Furthermore, sensory unit 120 may be physically coupled tosupport 210.

As shown in FIG. 5A, sensory unit 120 includes feedback-outputting unit340 and image sensor 350. Although one image sensor is depicted in FIG.5A, sensory unit 120 may include a plurality of image sensors (e.g., twoimage sensors). For example, in an arrangement with more than one imagesensor, each of the image sensors may be face a different direction orbe associated with a different camera (e.g., a wide angle camera, anarrow angle camera, an IR camera, etc.). In other embodiments (notshown in the figure) sensory unit 120 may also include buttons and othersensors such as a microphone and inertial measurements devices.

As further shown in FIG. 5A, sensory unit 120 is connected to processingunit 140 via wire 130. Processing unit 140 includes a mobile powersource 510, a memory 520, a wireless transceiver 530, and a processor540.

Processor 540 may constitute any physical device having an electriccircuit that performs a logic operation on input or inputs. For example,processor 540 may include one or more integrated circuits, microchips,microcontrollers, microprocessors, all or part of a central processingunit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), digital signal processor(DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other circuits suitablefor executing instructions or performing logic operations. Theinstructions executed by processor 540 may, for example, be pre-loadedinto a memory integrated with or embedded into processor 540 or may bestored in a separate memory (e.g., memory 520). Memory 520 may comprisea Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a hard disk, anoptical disk, a magnetic medium, a flash memory, other permanent, fixed,or volatile memory, or any other mechanism capable of storinginstructions.

Although one processor is shown in FIG. 5A, processing unit 140 mayinclude more than one processor. Each processor may have a similarconstruction or the processors may be of differing constructions thatare electrically connected or disconnected from each other. For example,the processors may be separate circuits or integrated in a singlecircuit. When more than one processor is used, the processors may beconfigured to operate independently or collaboratively. The processorsmay be coupled electrically, magnetically, optically, acoustically,mechanically or by other means that permit them to interact.

In some embodiments, processor 540 may change the aiming direction ofimage sensor 350 using image data provided from image sensor 350. Forexample, processor 540 may recognize that a user is reading a book anddetermine that the aiming direction of image sensor 350 is offset fromthe text. That is, because the words in the beginning of each line oftext are not fully in view, processor 540 may determine that imagesensor 350 is tilted down and to the right. Responsive thereto,processor 540 may adjust the aiming direction of image sensor 350.

Processor 540 may access memory 520. Memory 520 may be configured tostore information specific to user 100. For example, data for imagerepresentations of known individuals, favorite products, personal items,etc., may be stored in memory 520. In one embodiment, user 100 may havemore than one pair of glasses, with each pair of glasses having support210 mounted thereon. Accordingly, memory 520 may store information(e.g., personal settings) associated with each pair of glasses. Forexample, when a user wears his sunglasses may have different preferencesthan when the user wears reading glasses.

As shown in FIG. 5A, processing unit 140 includes mobile power source510. Mobile power source 510 may be configured to power processing unit140 and/or sensory unit 120. The term “mobile power source” includes anydevice capable of providing electrical power, which can be easilycarried by a hand (e.g., the total weight of mobile power source 510 maybe less than a pound). Thus, the mobility of the power source enablesuser 100 to use apparatus 110 in a variety of situations. For example,mobile power source 510 may include one or more batteries (e.g.,nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, andlithium-ion batteries) or any other type of electrical power supply. Insome embodiments, mobile power source 510 may be rechargeable andcontained within a casing that holds processing unit 140. In otherembodiments, mobile power source 510 may include one or more energyharvesting devices for converting ambient energy into electrical energy(e.g., portable solar power units, human vibration units, etc.).

Apparatus 110 may operate in a low-power-consumption mode and in aprocessing-power-consumption mode. For example, mobile power source 510can produce five hours of processing-power-consumption mode and fifteenhours of low-power-consumption mode. Accordingly, different powerconsumption modes may allow mobile power source 510 to producesufficient power for powering processing unit 140 for various timeperiods (e.g., more than two hours, more than four hours, more than tenhours, etc.).

Mobile power source 510 may power one or more wireless transceivers(e.g., wireless transceiver 530 in FIG. 5A). The term “wirelesstransceiver” refers to any device configured to exchange transmissionsover an air interface by use of radio frequency, infrared frequency,magnetic field, or electric field. Wireless transceiver 530 may use anyknown standard to transmit and/or receive data (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®,Bluetooth Smart, 802.15.4, or ZigBee). In some embodiments, wirelesstransceiver 530 may transmit data (e.g., raw image data or audio data)from image sensor 350 to processing unit 140, or wireless transceiver530 may transmit data from processing unit 140 to feedback-outputtingunit 340.

In another embodiment, wireless transceiver 530 may communicate with adifferent device (e.g., a hearing aid, the user's smartphone, or anywirelessly controlled device) in the environment of user 100. Forexample, wireless transceiver 530 may communicate with an elevator usinga Bluetooth® controller. In such an arrangement, apparatus 110 mayrecognize that user 100 is approaching an elevator and call theelevator, thereby minimizing wait time. In another example, wirelesstransceiver 530 may communicate with a smart TV. In such an arrangement,apparatus 110 may recognize that user 100 is watching television andidentify specific hand movements as commands for the smart TV (e.g.,switching channels). In yet another example, wireless transceiver 530may communicate with a virtual cane. A virtual cane is any device thatuses a laser beam or ultrasound waves to determine the distance fromuser 100 to an object.

FIG. 5B is a block diagram illustrating the components of apparatus 110according to a second embodiment. In FIG. 5B, similar to the arrangementshown in FIG. 5A, support 210 is used to couple sensory unit 120 to apair of glasses. However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, sensoryunit 120 and processing unit 140 communicate wirelessly. For example,wireless transceiver 530A can transmit image data to processing unit 140and receive information to be outputted via feedback-outputting unit340.

In this embodiment, sensory unit 120 includes feedback-outputting unit340, mobile power source 510A, wireless transceiver 530A, and imagesensor 350. Mobile power source 510A is contained within sensory unit120. As further shown in FIG. 5B, processing unit 140 includes wirelesstransceiver 530B, processor 540, mobile power source 510B, and memory520.

FIG. 5C is a block diagram illustrating the components of apparatus 110according to a third embodiment. In particular, FIG. 50 depicts anembodiment in which support 210 includes image sensor 350 and connector550B. In this embodiment, sensory unit 120 provides functionality forprocessing data and, therefore, a separate processing unit is not neededin such a configuration.

As shown in FIG. 5C, sensory unit 120 includes processor 540, connector550A, mobile power source 510, memory 520, and wireless transceiver 530.In this embodiment, apparatus 110 does not include a feedback-outputtingunit. Accordingly, wireless transceiver 530 may communicate directlywith a hearing aid (e.g., a Bluetooth® hearing aid). In addition, inthis embodiment, image sensor 350 is included in support 210.Accordingly, when support 210 is initially mounted on glasses 105, imagesensor 350 may acquire a set aiming direction. For example, a cameraassociated with image sensor 350 may be installed within support 210 ina predetermined angle in a position facing slightly downwards (e.g.,7-12 degrees from the horizon). Furthermore, connector 550A andconnector 550B may allow data and power to be transmitted betweensupport 210 and sensory unit 120.

FIG. 5D is a block diagram illustrating the components of apparatus 110according to a fourth embodiment. In FIG. 5D, sensory unit 120 couplesdirectly to a pair of glasses without the need of a support. In thisembodiment, sensory unit 120 includes image sensor 350,feedback-outputting unit 340, processor 540, and memory 520. As shown inFIG. 5D, sensory unit 120 is connected via a wire 130 to processing unit140. Additionally, in this embodiment, processing unit 140 includesmobile power source 510 and wireless transceiver 530.

As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art having the benefitof this disclosure, numerous variations and/or modifications may be madeto the disclosed embodiments. Not all components are essential for theoperation of apparatus 110. Any component may be located in anyappropriate part of apparatus 110 and the components may be rearrangedinto a variety of configurations while providing the functionality ofthe disclosed embodiments. Therefore, the foregoing configurations areexamples and, regardless of the configurations discussed above,apparatus 110 can assist persons who have low vision with their everydayactivities in numerous ways.

One way apparatus 110 can assist persons who have low vision is byidentifying relevant objects in an environment. For example, in someembodiments, processor 540 may execute one or more computer algorithmsand/or signal-processing techniques to find objects relevant to user 100in image data captured by sensory unit 120. The term “object” refers toany physical object, person, text, or surroundings in an environment.

In one embodiment, apparatus 110 can perform a hierarchical objectidentification process. In a hierarchical object identification process,apparatus 110 can identify objects from different categories (e.g.,spatial guidance, warning of risks, objects to be identified, text to beread, scene identification, and text in the wild) of image data. Forexample, apparatus 110 can perform a first search in the image data toidentify objects from a first category, and after initiating the firstsearch, execute a second search in the image data to identify objectsfrom a second category.

In another embodiment, apparatus 110 can provide information associatedwith one or more of the objects identified in image data. For example,apparatus 110 can provide information such as the name of an individualstanding in front of user 100. The information may be retrieved from adynamic database stored in memory 520. If the database does not containspecific information associated with the object, apparatus 110 mayprovide user 100 with nonvisual feedback indicating that a search wasmade, but the requested information was not found in the database.Alternatively, apparatus 110 may use wireless transceiver 530 to searchfor and retrieve information associated with the object from a remotedatabase (e.g., over a cellular network or Wi-Fi connection to theInternet).

Another way apparatus 110 can assist persons who have low vision is byperforming a continuous action that relates to an object in anenvironment. A continuous action may involve providing continuousfeedback regarding the object. For example, apparatus 110 can providecontinuous feedback associated with an object identified within afield-of-view of image sensor 350, and suspend the continuous feedbackwhen the object moves outside the field-of-view of image sensor 350.Examples of continuous feedback may include audibly reading text,playing a media file, etc. In addition, in some embodiments, apparatus110 may provide continuous feedback to user 100 based on informationderived from a discrete image or based on information derived from oneor more images captured by sensory unit 120 from the environment of user100.

Another type of continuous action includes monitoring the state of anobject in an environment. For example, in one embodiment, apparatus 110can track an object as long as the object remains substantially withinthe field-of-view of image sensor 350. Furthermore, before providinguser 100 with feedback, apparatus 110 may determine whether the objectis likely to change its state. If apparatus 110 determines that theobject is unlikely to change its state, apparatus 110 may provide afirst feedback to user 100. For example, if user 100 points to a roadsign, apparatus 110 may provide a first feedback that comprises adescriptor of the road sign. However, if apparatus 110 determines thatthe object is likely to change its state, apparatus 110 may provide asecond feedback to user 100 after the object has changed its state. Forexample, if user 100 points at a traffic light, the first feedback maycomprise a descriptor of the current state of the traffic light (e.g.,the traffic light is red) and the second feedback may comprise adescriptor indicating that the state of traffic light has changed (i.e.,the traffic light is now green).

Apparatus 110 may also determine that an object that is expected tochange its state is not functioning and provide appropriate feedback.For example, apparatus 110 may provide a descriptor indicating that atraffic light is broken.

Apparatus 110 can also assist persons who have low vision by makingintelligent decisions regarding a person's intentions. Apparatus 110 canmake these decisions by understanding the context of a situation.Accordingly, disclosed embodiments may retrieve contextual informationfrom captured image data and adjust the operation of apparatus 110 basedon at least the contextual information. The term “contextualinformation” (or “context”) refers to any information having a direct orindirect relationship with an object in an environment. In someembodiments, apparatus 110 may retrieve different types of contextualinformation from captured image data. One type of contextual informationis the time and/or the place that an image of the object was captured.Another example of a type of contextual information is the meaning oftext written on the object. Other examples of types of contextualinformation include the identity of an object, the type of the object,the background of the object, the location of the object in the frame,the physical location of the user relative to the object, etc.

In an embodiment, the type of contextual information that is used toadjust the operation of apparatus 110 may vary based on objectsidentified in the image data and/or the particular user who wearsapparatus 110. For example, when apparatus 110 identifies a package ofcookies as an object, apparatus 110 may use the location of the package(i.e., at home or at the grocery store) to determine whether or not toread the list of ingredients aloud. Alternatively, when apparatus 110identifies a signboard identifying arrival times for trains as anobject, the location of the sign may not be relevant, but the time thatthe image was captured may affect the output. For example, if a train isarriving soon, apparatus 110 may read aloud the information regardingthe coming train. Accordingly, apparatus 110 may provide differentresponses depending on contextual information.

Apparatus 110 may use contextual information to determine a processingaction to execute or an image resolution of image sensor 350. Forexample, after identifying the existence of an object, contextualinformation may be used to determine if the identity of the objectshould be announced, if text written on the object should be audiblyread, if the state of the object should be monitored, or if an imagerepresentation of the object should be saved. In some embodiments,apparatus 110 may monitor a plurality of images and obtain contextualinformation from specific portions of an environment. For example,motionless portions of an environment may provide background informationthat can be used to identify moving objects in the foreground.

Yet another way apparatus 110 can assist persons who have low vision isby automatically carrying out processing actions after identifyingspecific objects and/or hand gestures in the field-of-view of imagesensor 350. For example, processor 540 may execute several actions afteridentifying one or more triggers in image data captured by apparatus110. The term “trigger” includes any information in the image data thatmay cause apparatus 110 to execute an action. For example, apparatus 110may detect as a trigger a finger of user 100 pointing to one or morecoins. The detection of this gesture may cause apparatus 110 tocalculate a sum of the value of the one or more coins. As anotherexample of a trigger, an appearance of an individual wearing a specificuniform (e.g., a policeman, a fireman, a nurse) in the field-of-view ofimage sensor 350 may cause apparatus 110 to make an audible indicationthat this particular individual is nearby.

In some embodiments, the trigger identified in the image data mayconstitute a hand-related trigger. The term “hand-related trigger”refers to a gesture made by, for example, the user's hand, the user'sfinger, or any pointed object that user 100 can hold (e.g., a cane, awand, a stick, a rod, etc.).

In other embodiments, the trigger identified in the image data mayinclude an erratic movement of an object caused by user 100. Forexample, unusual movement of an object can trigger apparatus 110 to takea picture of the object. In addition, each type of trigger may beassociated with a different action. For example, when user 100 points totext, apparatus 110 may audibly read the text. As another example, whenuser 100 erratically moves an object, apparatus 110 may audibly identifythe object or store the representation of that object for lateridentification.

Apparatus 110 may use the same trigger to execute several actions. Forexample, when user 100 points to text, apparatus 110 may audibly readthe text. As another example, when user 100 points to a traffic light,apparatus 110 may monitor the state of the traffic light. As yet anotherexample, when user 100 points to a branded product, apparatus 110 mayaudibly identify the branded product. Furthermore, in embodiments inwhich the same trigger is used for executing several actions, apparatus110 may determine which action to execute based on contextualinformation retrieved from the image data. In the examples above,wherein the same trigger (pointing to an object) is used, apparatus 110may use the type of the object (text, a traffic light, a brandedproduct) to determine which action to execute.

To assist user 100 throughout his or her daily activities, apparatus 100may follow several procedures for saving processing resources andprolonging battery life. For example, apparatus 110 can use severalimage resolutions to form images. Higher image resolution provides moredetailed images, but requires more processing resources. Lower imageresolution provides less detailed images, but saves processingresources. Therefore, to prolong battery life, apparatus 110 may haverules for capturing and processing high resolution image under certaincircumstances, and rules for capturing and processing low resolutionimage when possible. For example, apparatus 110 may capture higherresolution images when performing Optical Character Recognition (OCR),and capture low resolution images when searching for a trigger.

One of the common challenges persons with low vision face on a dailybasis is reading. Apparatus 110 can assist persons who have low visionby audibly reading text that is present in user 100 environment.Apparatus 110 may capture an image that includes text using sensory unit120. After capturing the image, to save resources and to processportions of the text that are relevant to user 100, apparatus 110 mayinitially perform a layout analysis on the text. The term “layoutanalysis” refers to any process of identifying regions in an image thatincludes text. For example, layout analysis may detect paragraphs,blocks, zones, logos, titles, captions, footnotes, etc.

In one embodiment, apparatus 110 can select which parts of the image toprocess, thereby saving processing resources and battery life. Forexample, apparatus 110 can perform a layout analysis on image data takenat a resolution of one megapixel to identify specific areas of interestwithin the text. Subsequently, apparatus 110 can instruct image sensor350 to capture image data at a resolution of five megapixels torecognize the text in the identified areas. In other embodiments, thelayout analysis may include initiating at least a partial OCR process onthe text.

In another embodiment, apparatus 110 may detect a trigger thatidentifies a portion of text that is located a distance from a levelbreak in the text. A level break in the text represents anydiscontinuity of the text (e.g., a beginning of a sentence, a beginningof a paragraph, a beginning of a page, etc.). Detecting this trigger maycause apparatus 110 to read the text aloud from the level breakassociated with the trigger. For example, user 100 can point to aspecific paragraph in a newspaper and apparatus 110 may audibly read thetext from the beginning of the paragraph instead of from the beginningof the page.

In addition, apparatus 110 may identify contextual informationassociated with text and cause the audible presentation of one portionof the text and exclude other portions of the text. For example, whenpointing to a food product, apparatus 110 may audibly identify thecalorie value of the food product. In other embodiments, contextualinformation may enable apparatus 110 to construct a specific feedbackbased on at least data stored in memory 520. For example, the specificfeedback may assist user 100 to fill out a form (e.g. by providing user100 audible instructions and details relevant to a form in the user'sfield-of-view).

To improve the audible reading capabilities of apparatus 110, processor540 may use OCR techniques. The term “optical character recognition”includes any method executable by a processor to retrievemachine-editable text from images of text, pictures, graphics, etc. OCRtechniques and other document recognition technology typically use apattern matching process to compare the parts of an image to samplecharacters on a pixel-by-pixel basis. This process, however, does notwork well when encountering new fonts, and when the image is not sharp.Accordingly, apparatus 110 may use an OCR technique that compares aplurality of sets of image regions that are proximate to each other,Apparatus 110 may recognize characters in the image based on statisticsrelate to the plurality of the sets of image regions. By using thestatistics of the plurality of sets of image regions, apparatus 110 canrecognize small font characters defined by more than four pixels e.g.,six or more pixels. In addition, apparatus 110 may use several imagesfrom different perspectives to recognize text on a curved surface. Inanother embodiment, apparatus 110 can identify in image data anexistence of printed information associated with a system command storedin a database and execute the system command thereafter. Examples of asystem command include: “enter training mode,” “enter airplane mode,”“backup content,” “update operating system,” etc.

The disclosed OCR techniques may be implemented on various devices andsystems and are not limited to use with apparatus 110. For example, thedisclosed OCR techniques provide accelerated machine reading of text. Inone embodiment, a system is provided for audibly presenting a first partof a text from an image, while recognizing a subsequent part of thetext. Accordingly, the subsequent part may be presented immediately uponcompletion of the presentation of the first part, resulting in acontinuous audible presentation of standard text in less than twoseconds after initiating OCR.

As is evident from the foregoing, apparatus 110 may provide a wide rangeof functionality. More specifically, one embodiment consistent with thepresent disclosure provides an automatic reaction function that allowsapparatus 110 to automatically perform and/or suspend a continuousaction, depending on various factors, such as objects in the image data,a focus of a user, a field-of-view of image sensor 350, and contextualinformation. Apparatus 110 may interpret information associated withthese factors to determine an intention of the user, such as anintention to cause apparatus 110 to perform a continuous action and/oran intention to cause apparatus 110 to suspend performance of acontinuous action. In this way, apparatus 110 may perform functions toautomatically react to a user's movements and allow apparatus 110 toadapt to the user in real-time or near real-time.

In order to provide this functionality, apparatus 110 may includecomponents (e.g., processing unit 140) configured to process real timeimages (e.g., images received from image sensor 350) to monitor a user'senvironment. In particular, apparatus 110 may be configured to monitor afield-of-view of apparatus 110. In some embodiments, the field-of-viewof apparatus 110 may be an area of space that is detectable by imagesensor 350. Apparatus 110 may be arranged such that its field-of-viewcorresponds at least partially with a visually-unimpaired user's typicalfield of view, such as an area in front of the user's face.

In some embodiments, the field-of-view of apparatus 110 may include theentire detectable area (e.g., the entire space covered by one detectedimage). In other embodiments, the field-of-view of apparatus 110 mayinclude a portion of the entire detectable area. For example, thefield-of-view of apparatus 110 may correspond to a focus of attentionregion. A focus of attention region may be a particular portion of thedetectable area. The focus of attention region may correspond to an areathat the user may be focusing, or intend to focus, his or her attention.For example, a focus of attention region may include a central areawithin the detectable area.

As described herein, the field-of-view of apparatus 110 may include anyregion of an image received in real-time image data, including anyselected portion of the image and the entire image. In some embodiments,apparatus 110 may monitor the field-of-view of apparatus 110 inproviding the automatic reaction function. Apparatus 110 may performactions based on inputs identified in the field-of-view, andsubsequently change the action as the field-of-view changes. In thisway, apparatus 110 may be configured to automatically react to changesin the image data based on changes in the users' environment and/ormovements of the user.

In some embodiments, memory 520 may include components configured toprovide the automatic reaction function. As shown in FIG. 6, memory 520may include an input detection module 610, a continuous action module620, and a database 630. Input detection module 610 may be a componentconfigured to detect an input associated with the automatic reactionfunction. Continuous action module 620 may be a component configured tomanage a continuous action performed by apparatus 110. Database 630 maybe a component configured to store data associated with the automaticreaction function and provide particular data when requested.

Input detection module 610 and continuous action module 620 may beimplemented in software, hardware, firmware, a mix of any of those, orthe like. For example, if input detection module 610 and continuousaction module 620 are implemented in software, they may be stored inmemory 520, as shown in FIG. 6. Other components of processing unit 140and/or sensory unit 120 may be configured to perform processes toimplement and facilitate operations of input detection module 610 andcontinuous action module 620. Thus, input detection module 610 andcontinuous action module 620 may include software, hardware, or firmwareinstructions (or a combination thereof) executable by one or moreprocessors (e.g., processor 540), alone or in various combinations witheach other. For example, input detection module 610 and continuousaction module 620 may be configured to interact with each other and/orother modules of apparatus 110 to perform functions consistent withdisclosed embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, input detectionmodule 610 and continuous action module 620 may each include dedicatedsensors (e.g., IR, image sensors, etc.) and/or dedicated applicationprocessing devices to perform the disclosed functionality.

Database 630 may include one or more memory devices that storeinformation and are accessed and/or managed through a computing device,such as processing unit 140. In some embodiments, database 630 may belocated in memory 520, as shown in FIG. 6. In other embodiments,database 630 may be located remotely from memory 520, and be accessibleto other components of apparatus 110 (e.g., processing unit 140) via oneor more wireless connections (e.g., a wireless network). While onedatabase 630 is shown, it should be understood that several separateand/or interconnected databases may make up database 630. Database 630may include computing components (e.g., database management system,database server, etc.) configured to receive and process requests fordata stored in memory devices associated with database 630 and toprovide data from database 630.

In some embodiments, database 630 may be configured to store dataassociated with the automatic reaction function of apparatus 110. Forexample, database 630 may include recognized objects. In someembodiments, recognized objects may include images of objects that werepreviously stored via apparatus 110. Recognized objects may be objectsthat apparatus 110 is configured to identify in real-time image datareceived by image sensor 350. Recognized objects may include anyphysical object, a person, an area, an environment, a background, andany combination and/or grouping of these. Recognized objects may includea particular aspect of an object (e.g., shape, color, text, etc.).

In some embodiments, recognized objects may include triggers, includingtriggers associated with the automatic reaction function of apparatus110. In some embodiments, triggers may include any stored image orportion of an image that apparatus 110 may recognize as an inputindicating a particular intention of the user of apparatus 110. Forexample, a pointing finger, a specific object, a particular hand motion,change in the field-of-view of apparatus 110, change in the user's areaof focus, and the like, may be triggers. In some embodiments, apparatus110 may be configured to perform a process to match a trigger inreal-time image data to a trigger stored in database 630 and performadditional processing to determine a particular action associated withthe trigger (e.g., performance of a continuous action).

Input detection module 610 and continuous action module 620 may beconfigured to communicate with each other and with database 630. Forexample, input detection module 610 may monitor real-time image data tolook for any input in the field-of-view that may be matched to an inputstored in database 630. If a matching input is detected, input detectionmodule 610 may communicate with continuous action module 620 todetermine a particular continuous action associated with the detectedinput. Continuous action module 620 may communicate with components ofapparatus 110 to cause apparatus 110 to perform the determinedcontinuous action. Input detection module 610 may continue to monitorthe field-of-view to determine if any additional inputs are in thereal-time images. If additional inputs are found, input detection module610 may communicate with continuous action module 620 to suspend,reinstitute, modify, change, or otherwise alter the continuous action.

As used herein, real-time image data may refer to image data captured inreal-time or near real-time. For example, input detection module 610 maymonitor the field-of-view of apparatus 110 to detect inputs whilecontinuous action module 620 may determine whether to suspend,reinstitute, modify, change, or otherwise alter the continuous action.Accordingly, input detection module 610 and continuous action module 620may operate in parallel to process captured image data. That is,apparatus 110 may capture and analyze image data in parallel, or mayinstitute a queue-like implementation whereby image data is captured andthen analyzed in a continuous fashion (i.e., a first image is capturedand analyzed while a subsequent image is captured and then subsequentlyanalyzed).

FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart of an example of a process 700 for providingan automatic reaction function. In some embodiments, input detectionmodule 610 and/or continuous action module 620 may be configured toperform at least a part of process 700. To perform process 700,apparatus 110 may include image sensor 350 positioned for movement witha head of a user of apparatus 110. Image sensor 350 may also beconfigured to capture real-time images in a field-of-view of imagesensor 350 from the user's environment. Image sensor 350 may beconfigured to capture the real-time images as the user's head movesand/or the field-of-view of image sensor 350 changes (including changesin the environment).

In some embodiments, input detection module 610 may be configured tomonitor image data associated with one or more real-time images that arecaptured by image sensor 350. In some instances, input detection module610 may detect in the image data an input associated with a continuousaction (step 710). In some embodiments, the input may be the existenceof an object. For example, input detection module 610 may be configuredto process the image data (associated with at least one image) toidentify the existence of an object within a field-of-view of imagesensor 350. Input detection module 610 may be configured to identify theobject, for example, by matching image data associated with the objectto image data associated with one or more recognized images stored indatabase 630.

In some embodiments, identification of an object may be a sufficientinput for input detection module 610 (and/or continuous action module620) to cause apparatus 110 to automatically react and performadditional processing and/or functions (e.g., perform a continuousaction). In other embodiments, input detection module 610 may monitorthe image data for additional or alternative information to determine aninput.

For example, input detection module 610 may be configured to determine ahead movement of the user. Input detection module 610 may determine ahead movement of the user, for example, by monitoring for changes in thefield-of-view of image sensor 350, which may correspond to a particularhead movement (e.g., changing direction of focus, nodding or shaking ofthe head, tilting of the head, etc.). In some embodiments, inputdetection module 610 may use the head movement determination inidentifying the object. For example, input detection module 610 maydetect a head movement of the user that indicates the user is changingtheir focus of attention to a particular region in which an object islocated, without the user providing an additional indication. Inputdetection module 610 may associate the head movement as a signal toidentify the object in the region where the user has decided to look.

In another example, input detection module 610 may be configured tomonitor for a trigger in the image data. For example, input detectionmodule 610 may identify an object and a trigger in the field-of-view ofimage sensor 350. In some embodiments, identification of an object and atrigger may constitute an input that may cause an automatic reaction byapparatus 110 (e.g., performance of a continuous action). For example,input detection module 610 may identify several objects in thefield-of-view of image sensor 350. Input detection module may alsodetect a trigger, such as a finger of the user pointing to one of theobjects. Based on the trigger, input detection module may determine thatthe automatic reaction should be associated with the object associatedwith the trigger (the object at which the finger is pointed).

In other embodiments, identification of a trigger may cause inputdetection module 610 to perform a process to identify an objectassociated with the trigger (e.g., the user is pointing at an object),and cause an automatic reaction based on the identified object. In stillother embodiments, identification of a trigger may itself be asufficient input to cause an automatic reaction.

After input detection module 610 determines that an input is present inthe real-time image data, input detection module 610 may cause apparatus110 to have an automatic reaction to the input. In the example ofprocess 700, continuous action module 620 may initiate a continuousaction (step 720). A continuous action may be any action, function,process, etc., that apparatus 110 may be configured to perform. Examplesof continuous actions include audibly reading of text (e.g., text on anidentified object, such as a newspaper), monitoring of a state of anobject (e.g., the state of a device that changes indicators, such as astop light), recording of a video stream (e.g., a video stream of anidentified object), playing of a media file (e.g., a media file, such asan audio recording, associated with an identified object), audiblyproviding information (e.g., information associated with an identifiedobject), and the like.

Continuous action module 620 may be configured to determine whichcontinuous action to initiate. In some embodiments, continuous actionmodule 620 may be configured to select which continuous action toinitiate based on the type of the object identified. For example,continuous action module 620 (and/or input detection module 610) maydetermine that the identified object is an object with text (e.g., anewspaper, magazine, book, etc.) and determine that the continuousaction is audible reading of the text. In another example, continuousaction module 620 may recognize that the user has turned a page in abook, and continue audible reading of the text on the next page. Inother embodiments, continuous action module 620 may be configured toselect a continuous action to initiate based on a particular contextassociated with the identified object. The context may includecontextual information, such as the time and/or the place that an imageof the object was captured, the meaning of text written on the object,the identity of an object, the type of the object, the background of theobject, the location of the object in the frame, the physical locationof the user relative to the object, etc. After determining whichcontinuous action should be used (e.g. audible reading of text on anobject), continuous action module 620 may initiate the continuous action(e.g., begin audible reading of text).

While the continuous action is being performed, input detection module610 may continue to monitor real-time image data for additional inputs.In some embodiments, input detection module 610 may monitor thereal-time image data for head movements of the user and/or changes inthe field-of-view of the user (step 730). In some aspects, inputdetection module 610 may monitor for these movements and/or changes forinputs to suspend the continuous action being performed (step 740).

An input to suspend the continuous action may be anything determined byinput detection module 610 as indicating a desire of the user ofapparatus 110 to stop the performance of the continuous action and/orthat performance of the continuous action is no longer possible. In oneexample, detection by input detection module 610 that the identifiedobject has moved outside of the field-of-view of image sensor 350 may bedetermined to be an input to suspend the continuous action. As has beendescribed, the field-of-view of image sensor 350 may refer to an entiredetectable region of image sensor 350 or a particular area of thedetectable region, such as a focus of attention region.

In another example, identification by input detection module 610 of aspecific head movement may be determined to be an input to suspend thecontinuous action. For example, input detection module 610 may identifya specific head movement that includes a movement causing the identifiedobject to move outside of the field-of-view of image sensor 350. In someembodiments, the specific head movement may include two or more detectedchanges in the movement of the head of the user (e.g., nodding orshaking of the user's head).

In instances in which there is no input to suspend detected duringperformance of the continuous action (step 740—NO), apparatus 110 mayperform the continuous action until it is completed (or some othercompleting event, such as an error, change in the continuous action,etc.), and process 700 may end. However, in instances in which an inputto suspend is detected (step 740—YES), apparatus 110 (via continuousaction module 620, for example) may suspend the continuous action (step750). Examples of suspending continuous actions based on inputs tosuspend include suspending audible reading of text when the user looksaway from the text being read aloud (i.e., the text moves outside thefield-of-view of image sensor 350), suspending monitoring of a state ofan object when the user looks away from the object, suspending recordingof a video stream of an object when the user looks away from the object,suspending playing of a media file associated with an object when theuser looks away from the object, suspending audibly providinginformation associated with an object when the user looks away from theobject, and the like.

In some embodiments, continuous action module 620 (and/or inputdetection module 610) may be configured to reinstitute the continuousaction. For example, continuous action module 620 may be configured tostop a particular action when the action is suspended, and return to thepoint at which performance was stopped and continue performance of theaction at a later point in time. Input detection module 610 may continueto monitor real-time image data, head movements of the user, andfield-of-view of image sensor 350, to determine if any inputs toreinstitute the continuous action are detected (step 760).

In some instances, input detection module 610 may not detect an input toreinstitute the suspended continuous action (step 760—NO). In someembodiments, input detection module 610 may determine if a thresholdtime period has passed since the continuous action was suspended (step770). If a threshold time period has passed (step 770—YES), inputdetection module 610 and/or continuous action module 620 may considerthe continuous action completed and process 700 may end. If thethreshold time period has not passed (step 770—NO) input detectionmodule 610 may continue to look for an input to reinstitute thesuspended action (and remain prepared to restart the action at the pointat which it was stopped).

In other instances, input detection module 610 may detect an input toreinstitute the suspended continuous action (step 760—YES). The input toreinstitute the suspended action may be anything detected by inputdetection module 610 that indicates that the stopped continuous actionshould return to being performed. In one example, the input toreinstitute the continuous action may be identification of theidentified object that caused initiation of the continuous action. Forexample, in situations in which a continuous action was suspended afterthe identified object moved outside of the field-of-view of image sensor350, continuous action module 620 may be configured to automaticallyreinstitute the suspended action when the object reappears in thefield-of-view. In embodiments in which the action may only bereinstituted during a threshold time period, continuous action module620 may be configured to automatically reinstitute the suspended actionif a time period, between a time the object moves outside thefield-of-view and a time the object reappears in the field-of-view, isless than a predetermined threshold.

In other embodiments, the input to reinstitute the suspended action mayinclude a trigger. In one example, continuous action module 620 may beconfigured to reinstitute a suspended action after the object reappearsin the field-of-view and a trigger is identified. For example,continuous action module 620 may be configured to reinstitute acontinuous action associated with an object after the object reappearsin the field-of-view of image sensor 350 and identification module 610identifies that the user is pointing a finger at the object.

After an input to reinstitute the continuous action is detected,continuous action module 620 may be configured to reinstitute thecontinuous action (step 780). For example, a continuous action ofaudible reading text that was suspended may be reinstituted, andapparatus 110 may continue audible reading of the text from the point atwhich the reading was stopped. As the action continues, input detectionmodule 610 may continue to monitor for inputs, such as a subsequentinput to suspend the continuous action (step 790). A subsequent input tosuspend the action may be the same or different action from the inputdetected in step 740 (e.g., identified object moving outside of thefield-of-view of image sensor 350).

If input detection module 610 detects a subsequent input to suspend thecontinuous action (step 790—YES), process 700 may return to step 750,and the continuous action may be suspended again. Processing may berepeated to determine if the suspended action is to be reinstituted orif the process will end. Several iterations of suspending andreinstituting the action may occur, depending on the situation (e.g.,the user may look away from an object several times only to return to iteach time). In instances in which no subsequent input to suspend thecontinuous action is detected (step 790—NO), apparatus 110 may performthe continuous action until it is completed (or some other completingevent, such as an error, change in the continuous action, etc.), andprocess 700 may end.

Through process 700, apparatus 110 may automatically perform an actionbased on image data captured by image sensor 350, which may allowapparatus 110 to automatically react as the user moves and/or thecaptured environment changes. FIGS. 8A-8B schematically illustrate anexample of a scenario in which the automatic reaction function ofapparatus 110 may be used. FIG. 8 illustrates an object 810, such as anewspaper, which may be in the field-of-view 820 of image sensor 350.Apparatus 110 may be configured to identify object 810 as a newspaperand select a continuous action that audibly reads a particular section830 of the newspaper, such as based on identification of a fingerpointing to section 830 (not shown). Apparatus 110 may continue toaudibly read section 830 until completion. However, as shown in FIG. 8B,the object 810 and/or section 830 may leave the field-of-view 820. Theobject 810 and/or section 830 may leave the field-of-view 820, forexample, when the user of apparatus 110 moves their head. Whenidentification module 610 determines that object 810 has left thefield-of-view 820, audible reading of section 830 may be suspended. Thesuspension of the continuous action may correspond to the user turningtheir attention to another object or a person in their environment, andthus a desire to stop the audible reading. As described in process 700,if the object returns to the field-of-view 820 (e.g., by the user movinghis or her head or by moving the object), continuous action module 620may reinstitute the suspended action, and audible reading of section 830may restart at the point at which reading was stopped.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes ofillustration. It is not exhaustive and is not limited to the preciseforms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations will beapparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of thespecification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. Additionally,although aspects of the disclosed embodiments are described as beingstored in memory, one skilled in the art will appreciate that theseaspects can also be stored on other types of computer readable media,such as secondary storage devices, for example, hard disks, floppydisks, or CD ROM, or other forms of RAM or ROM, USB media, DVD, or otheroptical drive media.

Computer programs based on the written description and disclosed methodsare within the skill of an experienced developer. The various programsor program modules can be created using any of the techniques known toone skilled in the art or can be designed in connection with existingsoftware. For example, program sections or program modules can bedesigned in or by means of .Net Framework, .Net Compact Framework (andrelated languages, such as Visual Basic, C, etc.), Java, C++,Objective-C, HTML, HTML/AJAX combinations, XML, or HTML with includedJava applets. One or more of such software sections or modules can beintegrated into a computer system or existing e-mail or browsersoftware.

Moreover, while illustrative embodiments have been described herein, thescope of any and all embodiments having equivalent elements,modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across variousembodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would be appreciated bythose skilled in the art based on the present disclosure. Thelimitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on thelanguage employed in the claims and not limited to examples described inthe present specification or during the prosecution of the application.The examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. Furthermore, thesteps of the disclosed routines may be modified in any manner, includingby reordering steps and/or inserting or deleting steps. It is intended,therefore, that the specification and examples be considered asillustrative only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by thefollowing claims and their full scope of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for providing feedback to a userregarding an object of interest, the apparatus comprising: an imagesensor configured to be positioned for movement with a head of a userand configured to capture real time images from an environment of theuser as the user's head moves; at least one processor device configuredto: process at least one image to identify an existence of the object ofinterest within a field of view of the image sensor; provide acontinuous feedback to the user regarding the object of interest whenthe object of interest is detected within the field of the view of theimage sensor; suspend the continuous action feedback to the userregarding the object of interest after the object of interest isdetected to be outside the field of view of the image sensor; andautomatically reinstitute the suspended feedback if a time period,between a time the object of interest moves outside the field of viewand a time the object of interest reappears in the field of view, isless than a predetermined threshold.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the at least one processor device is further configured todetermine a head movement of the user and to use the head movementdetermination in identifying the object of interest.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one processor device is further configuredto select which continuous feedback to provide, based on a type of theobject of interest identified.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theat least one processor device is further configured to select whichcontinuous feedback to provide, based on a particular context associatedwith the object of interest identified in the at least one of the image.5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor deviceis further configured to provide the continuous feedback in response toidentification of a trigger.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the atleast one processor device is further configured to provide thecontinuous feedback in response to a trigger identified in the at leastone image.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the continuous feedbackincludes audibly reading text aloud and wherein the at least oneprocessor device is configured to suspend reading when the user looksaway from the text being read aloud.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the at least one processor device is further configured tomonitor a state of the object of interest, and suspend monitoring whenthe user looks away from the object of interest.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one processor device is further configuredto record a video stream of the object, and suspend recording when theuser looks away from the object of interest.
 10. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the continuous feedback includes playing a media fileassociated with the object of interest, and wherein the at least oneprocessor device is configured to suspend playing the media file whenthe user looks away from the object of interest.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the continuous feedback includes audibly providinginformation associated with the object of interest, and wherein the atleast one processor device is configured to suspend providing theinformation when the user looks away from object of interest.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor device isfurther configured to reinstitute the suspended feedback after theobject of interest reappears in the field of view within the time periodand a trigger is identified.
 13. An apparatus for providing feedback toa user, the apparatus comprising: an image sensor configured to bepositioned for movement with a head of a user and configured to capturereal time images from an environment of the user as the user's headmoves; at least one processor device configured to: identify existenceof a trigger; provide, based on identification of the trigger, acontinuous feedback to the user regarding an object of interest locatedwithin a field of view of the image sensor; identify movements of thehead of the user; suspend the continuous feedback to the user regardingthe object of interest after a specific head movement is identified;detect an input to reinstitute the suspended feedback; and reinstitutethe suspended feedback if a time period, between a time the continuousfeedback is suspended and a time the input to reinstitute the suspendedfeedback is detected, is less than a predetermined threshold.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 13, wherein the trigger is identified in the realtime images.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the specific headmovement includes a movement causing the object of interest to moveoutside the field of view of the image sensor.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the specific head movement includes at least twodetected changes in the movement of the head of the user.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one processor device isfurther configured to select which continuous feedback to initiate,based on the trigger and a particular context associated with at leastone of the real time images.
 18. A method for providing feedback to auser regarding an object of interest, the method comprising: receivingfrom an image sensor real time image data that includes a representationof the object of interest, wherein the image sensor is configured to bepositioned for movement with a head of the user; processing the imagedata to identify an existence of the object of interest within the fieldof view of the image sensor; providing a continuous feedback to the userregarding the object of interest when the object of interest is detectedwithin the field of view of the image sensor; suspending the continuousfeedback to the user regarding the object of interest after the objectof interest is detected to be outside the field of view of the imagesensor; and automatically reinstitute the suspended feedback if a timeperiod, between a time the object of interest moves outside the field ofview and a time the object of interest reappears in the field of view,is less than a predetermined threshold.
 19. A software product stored ona non-transitory computer readable medium and comprising data andcomputer implementable instructions for carrying out the method of claim18.